Featured Articles

About Hilton Head Flat Water Paddling

RootsRated explores the best flatwater paddling in Hilton Head. From mellow rivers to lakes that stretch to the horizon, let our experts help you find the perfect place to paddle. Our destinations are chosen by outdoors experts who live and play in Hilton Head, so you’re sure to find the top adventures and maybe even a few local secrets!

Recommendations by

Total Experiences

More Hilton Head Activities

The sound is one of the best places to go to spot marine life on Hilton Head Island. You’re almost guaranteed a few dolphin sightings while paddling, and if you’re lucky, one may swim right up next to you, as they’re known to do every once in a while.

The best part of Little Tybee is the challenge. First off, you have to kayak there. Don’t even try motoring a boat, because if you don’t know the creeks and sandbars like the back of your hand, you’re getting stuck.

Paddlers who are looking for an easy trip off the beaten path are going to love this island. It’s close enough to where a beginner will have no problem getting out, yet it feels like you’ve stumbled upon some deserted island in the middle of the ocean.

Broad Creek is great for anyone who wants to explore Hilton Head’s salt water marshes and tidal creeks. The wildlife is abundant, with a chance to see a number of birds, fish, or the occasional marsh mink.

The best part of Little Tybee is the challenge. First off, you have to kayak there. Don’t even try motoring a boat, because if you don’t know the creeks and sandbars like the back of your hand, you’re getting stuck.

The remoteness of the destinations you can paddle to via Tybee Creek seems impossible given this area’s proximity to thriving tourist destinations, but there is absolutely no one except fishermen that frequent Tybee Creek.

If you enjoy seeing more wildlife than you previously thought imaginable, you should paddle around Pinckney Island. The National Wildlife Refuge has done exactly what it was meant to do, and fosters more sea birds, flora and fauna than anywhere else in the area.

The Cross Island Boat Landing is located underneath the Cross Island Bridge and provides access to Broad Creek near its mouth into Calibogue Sound. It is primarily geared toward launching motorized watercraft but has a small floating dock that can be used for launching kayaks.

There are 11 miles of creeks that make up the lagoon system, all managed by the original tidal gates installed over 30 years ago. The gates control water levels and flow of the lagoon, so no matter where you are the water is always calm and at its optimum height.

Skull Creek is the most popular destination for paddlers who want to explore the North end of Hilton head Island. Its location between the Calibogue Sound and the Port Royal sound make the creek a highway for marine life, especially dolphins.

Jarvis Creek lies on the north end of Hilton Head Island, and opens up into Harbor River. Jarvis Creek is one of the largest waterways that cuts into Hilton Head, meaning this is the route you want to paddle if you’re looking to go inshore.

The dock at Squire Pope prohibits motorized vehicles of any kind making it extremely kayak friendly. It is set back in a small alcove of Skull Creek which offers calm kayaking away from the hazards of larger motorized marine vessels.

The best part of the island is the fact that it offers coastal paddling along the beach, as well as opportunities to paddle the marsh on the west side and behind the island. Hilton Head Island is the same, though there are not nearly as many people on Daufuskie.